J. Bast

Haplotype independence contributes to evolvability in the long-term absence of sex in a mite

The paper identifies haplotypic independence as a mechanism enabling long-term survival of an asexual mite species without sex.

Haplotype divergence supports ancient asexuality in the oribatid mite Oppiella nova

The paper uses genomic and transcriptomic data to show haplotype divergence patterns in asexual and sexual mite species, supporting ancient asexuality in Oppiella nova.

First annotated draft genomes of non-marine ostracods (Ostracoda, Crustacea) with different reproductive modes

The paper presents the first annotated draft genomes of three non-marine ostracod species, providing genomic resources for evolutionary and ecological studies.

Convergent consequences of parthenogenesis on stick insect genomes

This study compares parthenogenetic and sexual stick insect species to show reduced heterozygosity, less effective selection, and no TE accumulation in parthenogens.

Sex-biased gene expression is repeatedly masculinized in asexual females

The paper examines gene expression in asexual stick insect females and finds masculinized expression patterns, suggesting shifts in optimal gene expression after the suppression of sex.

Asexual reproduction drives the reduction of transposable element load

The paper shows that asexual reproduction in yeast reduces transposable element loads over time through increased TE excision rates.

Repeated evolution of asexuality involves convergent gene expression changes

The paper identifies convergent gene expression changes across multiple independent transitions to asexuality in stick insects, suggesting constrained molecular pathways for asexual reproduction.

Effective purifying selection in ancient asexual oribatid mites

The paper compares purifying selection effectiveness in asexual and sexual oribatid mite lineages, finding stronger selection in asexuals despite no sex.